Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Character Dining 2025

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Character Dining 2025

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Character Dining 2025

This article is your complete guide to the Universal Orlando character dining options 2025 and if they are worth it! At the moment, Universal Orlando has two character dining experiences the Marvel character dining experience, which is offered year-round, and the breakfast with the Grinch, which is seasonal. It’s important to note that both of these experiences are only being offered at Islands of Adventure park so you will want to keep that in mind as you plan your Universal Orlando Resort vacation.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando be sure to check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!

 Universal Crowd Calendar

Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Character Dining 2025

Let’s begin with, what are the current Universal Orlando character dining experiences? At the moment, the two Universal Orlando character dining experiences are Marvel Character Dinner, which is available year-round, and The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, which is seasonal during Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort.  It’s also very important to note that both of these experiences can be found in Islands of Adventure, and theme park admission is needed to experience any character dining reservation in the theme parks.

Marvel Character Dinner

Guests can experience their favorite Marvel characters at Cafe 4, located in Marvel Super Hero Island in Islands of Adventure Park. This dinner (beginning at 5 pm) experience includes some of the very popular Marvel characters which include Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, and Rogue. This is an extremely popular experience in the parks and we always recommend that our clients make their dining reservations as soon as the booking window opens up by calling 407-224-3663 or booking on the Universal Orlando Resort App. Anyone who books their discount Universal Orlando vacation package through The Park Prodigy can also ask their vacation planner for help making these reservations for them.

Marvel character dinner price

• Buffet dinner at Cafe 4
• One (1) non-alcoholic beverage
• Opportunity to meet your favorite Marvel characters
• One (1) digital download of a photo with a character
• Adult: $56.99 + tax per adult (Ages 10+)
• Child: $31.99 + tax per child (Ages 3-9)

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast

The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast is a limited-time Universal character breakfast that usually takes place during Grinchmas at Universal which is in the middle of November through December. Hosted at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendous, this breakfast experience includes a buffet and a chance to meet the Grinch himself! And in our opinion, this is one of the best character dining at Universal Orlando! For that reason, the Grinch breakfast typically will sell out within a few days of reservations becoming available so we highly recommend making your reservations as early as possible.

Grinch character breakfast Universal Studios price

• Buffet breakfast at Circus McGurkus Cafe Stoo-pendulous
• One (1) non-alcoholic beverage
• Opportunity to meet the Grinch and Friends
• One (1) digital download of a photo with a character
• Adult: $58.99 + tax per adult (Ages 10+)
• Child: $32.99 + tax per child (Ages 3-9)

Related Page: Save up to $70 per Universal Orlando Ticket 

Is the Universal Orlando Character Dining Experience Worth it?

Yes, we think the value of character dining Universal Studios Orlando is worth what you get! And we would say, on average, most quick service meals at Universal Orlando are going to cost around $15.00-$25.00 per person, plus a drink for around $4.00. Then it’s also important to note that one digital Universal photo download typically costs $26.00. So, on average, one person can expect to spend around $45.00 if they purchase everything that is included in the Universal Orlando character dining experiences separately. So, for this reason, we do believe that both character dining experiences at Universal Orlando are priced fairly and provide a good value.

This is especially true with both character’s experiences being buffets. We will say that from our experience we have not been blown away by the food, however for the most part it’s quick-service theme park food and we are paying for the experience.

Related Page: Is the Universal Express Pass Worth it? 

Tips and Tricks for Booking Universal Character Dining 2025

In our experience helping our clients book their Universal Orlando character dining experiences, we find that booking them as soon as the booking window opens up is without a doubt the most important. This is especially true for the breakfast with the Grinch which usually sells out way before the holiday season at Universal Orlando which typically begins the second week of November. We also highly recommend taking advantage of the digital download with a character that is included in your character dining experience.

Best tips and tricks for Universal character dining

• Book Early: These experiences are popular and can sell out quickly.
• Arrive Early: Get there at least 15 minutes before your reservation.
• Camera Ready: Have your camera or smartphone ready for those magical moments. (Especially with the Grinch)
• Allergies: If you have dietary restrictions, inform the staff in advance.
• Enjoy the Moment: Don’t rush through the meal; savor the experience.

Related Page: The Best Universal Orlando Tips and Tricks 

Universal Orlando Character Dining FAQ

What are the Universal Orlando Character Dining Experiences?

• Marvel Character Dinner
• The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast

When will Universal Studios bring back the Minions character dining experience?

Unfortunately, there has been no official word as to when the Minions character dining at Universal Studios experience will be back at the parks. However, we do believe that with the expansion of the new minions land at Universal Studios Florida this experience could come back in the future. Any guests who do have their heart set on meeting their favorite minion characters can meet them at the exit of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

When will Universal bring back character dining?

Universal Orlando has brought back two of the four previous character dining experiences which are the Marvel Character Dinner and The Grinch & Friends character breakfast. We are still waiting to hear if Universal plans to bring back the very popular Minions character dining experience located at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Is the Marvel character dinner worth it?

When you break down the average cost of a quick service meal and drink, which comes to $19.00, and the cost of a digital download of $26.00, we do believe the cost of the Marvel character experience is worth it at $52.99. The main reason is you get a buffet meal and also get to meet your favorite Marvel characters for a few bucks more.

Does Universal Orlando have character breakfast?

The only Universal Orlando character breakfast at this point is the Grinch and Friends character dining experience.

How to book character dining at Universal Studios Orlando?

For character dining at Universal Studios Orlando, reservations are required and can be booked by calling 407-224-3663, booking online or the Universal Orlando app. Character dining is held in Islands of Adventure and a valid theme park ticket is required.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!